By Shallon S. Gonlor | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia – The spirit of the late President William Vacanarat Shadrach Tubman filled the air in Sanniquellie on Saturday, November 29, 2025, as tens of thousands of Liberians gathered for a massive celebration of his 130th birthday. The event, a national holiday, marked the first major post-war commemoration of the iconic leader in Nimba County, transforming the city into a vibrant display of national pride and historical reflection.
Citizens from across Nimba and other parts of Liberia converged on the county’s political hub for a day of cultural performances, sporting events, and speeches dedicated to honoring Tubman’s legacy. The atmosphere was electric, underscoring the enduring impact of Liberia’s longest-serving president, who led the nation from 1944 until he died in 1971.
Born on November 29, 1895, President Tubman is widely hailed as the “Father of Modern Liberia” for his transformative leadership. His 27-year tenure is credited with fundamentally reshaping the nation’s economic and social fabric, steering it through a period of unprecedented growth.
The celebration featured reflections on Tubman’s most influential policies, particularly his Open Door Policy. This initiative successfully attracted substantial foreign investment, fueling an economic boom that positioned Liberia as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies during the 1950s.
Equally celebrated was his Unification Policy, a concerted effort to bridge the long-standing socio-economic divide between Americo-Liberians and indigenous Liberians. This policy aimed to foster a more integrated national identity.
The late president’s origins in Harper, Maryland County, reflect Liberia’s unique history. His paternal grandparents were among the liberated slaves who arrived in Liberia from the United States in 1844, a connection that would later influence his diplomatic outreach.
Under Tubman’s leadership, Liberia experienced a wave of infrastructural development. His administration oversaw the construction of critical roads and railways, the revitalization of the Monrovia port, and the building of iconic structures like the Capitol Building and the Ducor International Hotel.
The Ducor Hotel, once West Africa’s first five-star facility, stood as a powerful symbol of Liberia’s global ambitions and economic progress during his presidency. It hosted international diplomats and business leaders, putting the nation on the map.
Tubman’s government also pursued significant social reforms. He implemented groundbreaking equal rights legislation designed to ensure fair treatment for all citizens, regardless of their ethnic background or origins.
A major focus was on education, spearheaded by the “Each one teach one” literacy campaign. This grassroots initiative leveraged community networks to spread literacy beyond formal classrooms, empowering a generation of Liberians.
Investment in healthcare also saw notable improvements during his era, contributing to better life expectancy and quality of life for many citizens. These social programs worked in tandem with economic policies to modernize the nation.
The period of prosperity under Tubman’s leadership elevated Liberia’s international profile, establishing it as an economic model in Africa. The nation became a key global supplier of rubber and iron ore, operating the world’s largest mercantile fleet by the time of his death.
As night fell on Sanniquellie, the celebration evolved into a euphoric street festival. Citizens packed the streets, filling nightclubs and dancing to the pulsating rhythms of local music in a collective tribute to the late president.
The infectious energy symbolized a deep-seated gratitude for a leader who many credit with steering Liberia toward modernity. The streets became a sea of unity, laughter, and music, creating a fitting tribute to the man whose legacy continues to shape the nation.
Amid the festivities, a generation of elders gathered in local caine-juice shops, sharing vivid recollections of the “Tubman days.” They recalled a time of stable market prices, where a sack of rice could cover school fees, contrasting it with today’s economic challenges.
These elders also remembered better access to healthcare, with stories of functioning clinics and mobile health teams. They spoke of road projects and rural electrification efforts that brought a palpable sense of optimism to the nation.
Their reflections, set against the backdrop of Sanniquellie’s illuminated night sky, turned the birthday celebration into a dialogue between generations. The event served as both a tribute to past achievements and a reminder of the ongoing work needed to address current national challenges.
The unprecedented gathering in Nimba County stands as a powerful testament to the lasting mark President Tubman left on Liberia. His legacy, encompassing national unity, economic development, and social progress, continues to inspire national pride and reflection decades after his passing.
